GP2 to steer clear of KERS and DRS

GP2 boss Bruno Michel has promised not to introduce overtaking aids such as KERS and DRS to the Series as he targets even more "pure racing" over next year's expanded calendar.

GP2 is widely regarded as Formula One's finishing school and 11 of the drivers on the current F1 grid have driven in the feeder series since its first season in 2005. The cars have less power and less downforce than F1 cars but are intended to prepare young drivers for the demands of driving at the top level.

Michel said GP2 considered introducing KERS and DRS on its latest car to ape the F1 technologies, but felt the single-make formula would be stronger without them.

"We considered many new options during the design period of the car, including movable wings or KERS, but decided against them as we felt it was not in keeping with the spirit of our series," he said. "Although they could have enhanced the power of our car it could have been an issue safety-wise. The philosophy of our car is not about how powerful it can be. Our aim is to design the car that will be as close as a F1 car in terms of behaviour and thus give the drivers the opportunity to learn how to handle an incredibly complex machine.

"GP2 has always been about finding the best drivers, period. Our racing car is an extremely challenging car to drive at the limit, and it is meant to be: when you are one step away from the pinnacle of motor racing, you should be able to race and overtake without assistance from the car you need a selective car and strong drivers more than you need KERS or any other gimmicks, and I believe that fans and experts appreciate GP2 because it is pure racing and the best driver always wins.

"The F1 teams also appreciate this: they are watching the best young drivers in the world prove themselves in a car as close as possible to the challenge of an F1 car, and this is what we've always set out to achieve. By focusing on our cars, and optimising them for the same Pirelli tyres as used in the F1 races, we aim to give them what they are looking for."

Next year the main GP2 Series will merge with the Asia Series to boost the calendar to 12 rounds. However, Michel said keeping costs under control would be a priority.

"We are currently working on the 2012 calendar which will most likely consist of twelve rounds, eight in Europe and four overseas," he said. "We are working on finding different options in order to control the costs and keep affordable a season on such a complex car and in the F1 environment. With the merging of GP2 Asia and GP2 Series, the main Series will become a truly global category which will attract even more partners and generate an even greater interest throughout the globe."